DMRC Responds After Man Criticizes Delhi Metro For Featuring Ad Of Rape Convict Asaram Bapu

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was criticized strongly after advertisements featuring self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu were displayed inside metro premises. A lawyer took to social media and slammed the Delhi Metro to condemn the display of the ads. DMRC, responded to it assuring the removal of the promotional material.

In 2013, a rape case was registered against him by a woman disciple, and he was convicted by a court in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar in 2023. He is serving a life sentence. Asaram Bapu was granted interim bail this year till March 31 on medical grounds.

indianexpress

The lawyer shared two photos that display ads on “Parents Worship Day” featuring the rape convict Asaram Bapu

The lawyer took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and criticized DMRC for allowing a convicted rapist’s images to be displayed in a public space. The offended lawyer wrote,

“Shame @OfficialDMRC. How can Delhi Metro allow a criminal who is convicted under RAPE CHARGES, and spending his conviction inside jail, endorse his posters, pics etc inside the Delhi metro rail? Highly shameful act by #delhimetro”

Twitter

Here is the post

Shame @OfficialDMRC

How can Delhi Metro allow a criminal who is convicted under RAPE CHARGES, and spending his conviction inside jail, endorse his posters, pics etc inside the Delhi metro rail?

Highly shameful act by #delhimetro pic.twitter.com/qP7ryrvmhp

— The Legal Man (@LegalTL) February 6, 2025

DMRC responded to the post following the backlash

Replying to the X post, the organisation shared that it has instructed the responsible licensee to remove the advertisements from the Metro premises. It also mentioned that the removal may take some time. The organisation posted,

“DMRC has issued immediate instructions to the licensee to get these advertisements removed from the Metro premises at the earliest. The process of removal of these ads shall be started tonight. However, it may take some time for their removal from the system”

DMRC has issued immediate instructions to the licensee to get these advertisements removed from the Metro premises at the earliest. The process of removal of these ads shall be started tonight. However, it may take some time for their removal from the system.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) February 6, 2025

The controversy garnered mixed reactions from netizens

Some asked how such advertisements were approved in the first place, while some disagreed with DMRC’s decision to take them down.

One user wrote,

“How come you guys put such ads instantly and then you take so many days to remove them?”

Another disagreed with DMRC’s decision, and posted,

“I strongly disagree with this decision and urge you to reconsider. Celebrating #ParentsWorshipDay would have a profoundly positive impact on society and the younger generation.”

A third expressed,

“This is 2nd such case wherein objectionable ads have been put up in public space। Last one was insensitive ad content related to breast cancer. I hope there is a mechanism to approve these ads before they are displayed.”

Promoting parents worship day is a shameful act ??

— Sudhanshu Chhabra (@sudhanshu5893) February 6, 2025

Shameful @OfficialDMRC .
Do you support a rapist?

— KP Singh (@kpsingh1966) February 7, 2025

@legalTL thanks for calling this out.@OfficialDMRC Shameful beyond words. The officers who authorised this needs to be investigated as no normal person in right senses will sign this for installation.

— Soumendu Mukherji (@SoumenduM) February 7, 2025

Why don’t you purchase the space and put your own advertisement?
Unlike you Metro doesn’t believe in having a bias or discrimination amongst the Advertisers.

— 🚩Radek 🇮🇳 Almighty 🇮🇱 (@RadekAlmighty) February 7, 2025

You should see the cause. They are promoting Parent worship day. Thanks to @OfficialDMRC for promoting the Parent worship day.

— Sumesh Taneja (@sumcesca) February 6, 2025

For money we can do anything. That should be the slogan of delhi metro… despicable. @LambaAlka @AtishiAAP

— Neeta Sharma (@NeetaSh31043935) February 7, 2025

Indeed, it is shocking that how was it allowed at the first place. Seems like DMRC is so desperate to earn money

— sharad gupta (@guptice) February 7, 2025

Please remove it

— SUDARSHAN (@BSUDARSAN5) February 7, 2025

Woman disciple rape case against Asaram Bapu

In 2013, an FIR was lodged at Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad claiming that he raped a woman disciple on several occasions from 2001 to 2006 when she was living at his ashram. During Asaram Bapu’s conviction in 2023, special public prosecutor RC Kodekar said,

“The court has accepted the prosecution case and convicted Asaram under sections 376 2(C) (rape), 377 (unnatural offences) and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code for illegal detention, among others”

thehindu

Asaram Bapu was convicted in 2023 by a court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, he is currently serving a life sentence. He was granted interim bail earlier this year until 31 March on medical grounds.

What are your opinions on this matter? Let us know in the comments.